King James Version

What Does Esther 5:7 Mean?

Esther 5:7 in the King James Version says “Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;” — study this verse from Esther chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;”

Esther 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

7

Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

8

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. perform: Heb. do

9

Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is: Esther began to answer the king's question about her request (v. 6), but this verse only introduces her response—the actual content comes in v. 8. The incomplete sentence creates suspense, holding the revelation for another verse. This narrative technique builds tension while demonstrating Esther's continued strategic delay. She hasn't yet revealed her true request (saving her people) but will use this moment to extend an invitation to a second banquet. This careful orchestration of timing and revelation demonstrates wisdom in advocacy—knowing when to speak and when to create additional opportunities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient rhetorical practices recognized the power of delayed revelation and sustained suspense. Esther's incomplete answer in this verse, followed by the invitation to another banquet rather than immediate disclosure, demonstrates sophisticated understanding of persuasion. Creating multiple opportunities for intimate interaction with the king built relationship and favorable disposition before making the difficult request. Ancient banquets typically included extended conversation over wine, making them ideal settings for important discussions. Esther's strategy of multiple banquets maximized her opportunities to establish positive atmosphere before revealing the crisis.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Esther's strategic delay demonstrate wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to create additional preparation time?
  2. What does this teach about the importance of timing and setting in effective communication and advocacy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַתַּ֥עַן1 of 5

“Then answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶסְתֵּ֖ר2 of 5

“Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

וַתֹּאמַ֑ר3 of 5

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁאֵֽלָתִ֖י4 of 5

“My petition”

H7596

a petition; by implication, a loan

וּבַקָּֽשָׁתִֽי׃5 of 5

“and my request”

H1246

a petition

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Esther 5:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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